Behold, I have found the most iconic, historic, under-the-radar, and unique gem in Palm Springs! The Monkey Tree Hotel is a private16-roomboutique hotel nestled against the backdrop of the gorgeous San Jacinto Mountains on a large one-acre property in North Palm Springs, California. Originally designed and built in 1960 by renowned modernist architectAlbert Frey, the hotel re-opened in 2016, after a loving restoration by it’s current owners, Kathy and Gary Friedle (the sweetest, most humble, hotel owners I’ve ever met!), to it’s original mid-century modern design.

The Unique History Of The Monkey Tree Hotel

As I mentioned previously, The Monkey Tree Hotel located in Palm Springs, California was designed in 1960 by famous modernist architect Albert Frey. It’s location is less than a mile from Charlie Farrel’s famed Racquet Club, so naturally The Monkey Tree Hotel became a hot spot getaway for your favorite Old Hollywood celebrities (who wanted some time away from the public), such as Marilyn Monroe (with JFK in room #15!), Katherine Hepburn, Lucille Ball, Eric Clapton, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and The Beatles. You can just feel the Old Hollywood vibe at this place – it’s truly magical.

The history is what originally drew me to this place, because I thought it would be a great place for Joe to work on music and for me to write – and I was right! We wanted to move in after a few days here. The vibes are exactly what we were looking for. So to all my fellow creatives – definitely stay here if you’re looking for inspiration and relaxation.

The Iconic Mid-Century Modern Architecture & Design

This unique boutique hotel is the perfect mix of classic, iconic Palm Springs and modern day conveniences. The rooms vary in size from 300 to 725 square feet, which are incredibly spacious compared to most hotels in Palm Springs. We stayed in Room #5 which is a Deluxe King Room with Kitchenette which I highly recommend. The retro kitchen is so cute and convenient! And you also have the perfect view of the pool and San Jacinto Mountains. Albert Frey found great inspiration from the mountains, so he created the dramatic slanting roof lines to be in harmony and pay homage to the mountains and Indians. Can you say, feng shui?

And did I mention, the whole hotel is picture perfect? It’s a content creators DREAM. The most Instagram-worthy and Pinterest perfect Palm Springs hotel. You heard it here first.

“It’s a true 1960s time capsule,” Kathy said. “We haven’t made a lot of changes to it, intentionally. We want it to remain true to that period.”

The Pool & Floyd The Flamingo

YES. The perfectly retro pool is saltwater! So important in my opinion. I never met a chlorine pool I liked, so this saltwater pool made me so so happy. I spent all day in there with Joe – it was just so perfect. And the hotel’s mascot is Floyd the Flamingo – he’s very photogenic and super supportive. 😉

The Breakfast

A delicious homemadebreakfastis served every morning in the super cute breakfast room, which is included in the room price. They even have options for all diets! Vegan, gluten-free, paleo, etc. I was pleasantly surprised because I never expect smaller hotels to accommodate to my dietary restrictions, but they have something for everyone here. PS – try all of the spreads like I did – they’re all sooo delish.

The Scandinavian Spa

The hotel also boasts the area’s firstScandinavian spa, which includes a newly built sauna, whirlpool, and cold plunge. Joe and I used this at least once a day! We really felt so rejuvenated and re-energized after the plunge! They also have a really cool retro refrigerator by the spa and pool area that is stocked with free drinks for you which was such a special touch.

The Privacy

To enter the property, you need a special code to get in which made me feel extra safe. It’s nice knowing that randoms can’t just come in at any time. It felt very exclusive, but in a non-pretentious way. And although the floor to ceiling windows are huge (which I love) they are reflective so no one can see into your room, yet you still get the perfect amount of natural light. Perfection.

The Hospitality

When you arrive to The Monkey Tree Hotel, you just feel a sense of joy that I can’t explain, you just have to experience it yourself.

Kathy greeted us at the front and made us feel right at home, teaching us about the history of the hotel. Then we went to our room and saw that they had written us a sweet little note and gave us a list of things to do and restaurants to try in Palm Springs. It’s the little things like that which really make the experience so memorable and unique. Thank you Kathy!

The Perfect Place For A Romantic Getaway, Girls Trip, Or Solo Vacay

The hotel is quaint with only 16 rooms, so there aren’t any rowdy parties going on to take away from Palm Springs romantic vibes which we loved. Plus the hotel is very safe and secure which makes it a great place for a girls trip or solo getaway.

But I would LOVE to buy out the hotel one day and host an event- maybe for A.M. Club? 🙂 It’s really such a special place.